Asia Bibi’s safety matters

The question of Asia Bibi’s whereabouts has hit headlines both at home and abroad.

Local and international media reported that she was flown out of Pakistan to a secret location. Though even here, social media were full of speculation that one foreign outlet had named the country whose asylum offer she and her family accepted. All of which sparked heated debate within the local journalistic community. Questions were raised as to whether the practice of ethical reporting had been followed in carrying the news of the former farm labourer’s departure given the ongoing legitimate concerns for her safety. Opinion remains largely divided between support for putting this story on hold until Asia Bibi had reached her destination and commitment to upholding the media’s primary function as a provider of public information.